The National Testing Agency (NTA) has cancelled the NEET UG 2026 over allegations of paper leak. The Rajasthan SOG has arrested NEET paper leak masterminds Manish Yadav and Rakesh Mandavriya. The SOG also detained a family member of a NEET candidate over alleged involvement in NEET paper leak. Meanwhile, Centre has ordered CBI probe on NEET paper leak.
NEET paper leak: 120 questions matched with the actual NEET paper
Over 22 lakh students appeared for NEET held on May 3. As per reports, the Rajasthan SOG found a handwritten suggestion paper whose 120 questions matched with the actual NEET paper. The investigators found around 90 Biology questions and 30 Chemistry questions matched with the actual NEET paper.
NEET re-exam date
NEET UG re-exam 2026 is likely to be held in June. In 2024, when NEET UG got cancelled, the re-exam was held on June 23. So, students can expect NEET re-exam to be held in June.
Re-NEET registration, admit card
As per NTA, no fresh registration required for re-NEET. The registration data, candidature, and examination centres opted for in the May 2026 cycle will be carried forward to the re-conducted examination. No fresh registration will be required, and no additional examination fee will be levied. In addition, fees already paid, will be refunded to the students and the exam will be re-conducted using NTA’s internal resources, NTA in a post on X mentioned.
The NEET admit card will be issued fresh for re-exam. Further communications, including the re-conducted examination dates and the re-issued admit-card schedule, will be issued through the official channels of the Agency. Candidates and parents are requested to rely only on these official channels and to disregard unverified reports circulating on social media, read the NTA's post on X.
Students show protest over NEET paper leak 2026
Vinod Jakhar, National President of NSUI, says, "Students from every corner of the nation are out on the streets. NEET aspirants are out on the streets. Where is the government? Today, the future of those who prepared for the NEET examination with utmost diligence and integrity has been sold off. I demand that the government take the strictest possible action against the culprits and ensure that anyone involved in this conspiracy receives severe punishment. Certain individuals of the government and the administration are involved in this matter. The government, specifically, Dharmendra Pradhan, must accept accountability for this failure and should tender his resignation. Our primary demand is that the National Testing Agency (NTA) be banned. We demand that the investigation be conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court. This is because we have no faith in the government."
LoP Rahul Gandhi on NEET cancellation
"Over allegations of NEET UG 2026 paper leak, LoP Rahul Gandhi in a post on X said, "This is not just a failure—it's a crime against the future of the youth. Every time, the paper mafia gets away scot-free, while honest students bear the punishment. Now, lakhs of students will once again endure the same mental stress, financial burden, and uncertainty. If one's destiny is determined not by hard work but by money and connections, then what meaning will education hold?" read LoP Rahul Gandhi's post on X.
Expert's take on NEET cancellation
Praneet Mungali, Educationist, Sanskriti Group of Schools, Pune - "The cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination has produced major uncertainty for students who have spent multiple years preparing for the test. Institutions must establish effective communication methods while maintaining examination fairness and assessment transparency. The examination process creates additional stress for both candidates and their families because of its delays and misunderstandings. Students experience their most vital academic period of life which requires educational institutions to establish trust through strong administration combined with understanding of their needs and ongoing support."
Vipin Sharma, Physics Wala teacher - "This is bad news for teachers, students, and parents. Children work hard for years, and then the paper gets cancelled like this. There should be a solid system like the one for JEE."
NEET aspirant - "The NTA has taken a good decision because what happened was an injustice to the hard working candidates... Those who cheated should not get admission in the medical colleges...," as reported by news agency ANI.
NEET helpline numbers
Candidates may contact NTA at 011-40759000/011-69227700 or e-mail at neetug2026@nta.ac.in for updates on NEET exam 2026.
Also Read : NEET re-exam date 2026: Key FAQs on NEET cancellation, paper leak
